Kashmir Protests Erupt Over Khamenei Killing
- Shia areas in Srinagar and other towns see marches
- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq calls strike after Khamenei killing
Hyderabad: Kashmir Protests erupted on Sunday after the killing of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US Israel strike, officials said. Thousands of protestors took to the streets in several parts of the valley, including Srinagar city.
The protests broke out in areas with a large Shia population, officials said. Protestors marched through the streets peacefully. However, they shouted anti US and anti Israel slogans during the demonstrations.
Officials said protests were held at Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama. Meanwhile, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday that Khamenei was killed in an attack by Israel and the United States. Therefore, the news quickly sparked reactions in Kashmir.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief priest of Kashmir, said he was deeply saddened and outraged at Khamenei’s killing. He wrote on X, “Deeply saddened and outraged at the brutal killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel that has shaken the Muslim world. The people of JK collectively condemn this brutality and the ongoing aggression against Iran, as well as the massacre of innocent girl students in Minab,” the Mirwaiz said.
He added that people of Kashmir stood in solidarity with Iran. “In this hour of immense sorrow, our hearts beat with the resilient people of Iran. May Allah grant strength to the oppressed, elevate the martyrs, and bring swift justice to those responsible for this,” he said.
Religious leaders described the moment as one for unity. They said Muslims must rise above divisions and “register our protest and solidarity against this killing and the continued aggression in the region”. Meanwhile, Mutahida Majlis e Ulama, an amalgam of religious organisations, called for a complete strike on Monday. “We urge the people to observe it with unity, dignity, and complete peacefulness,” the Mirwaiz added.
Jamiat Ahli Hadith leader Mohammad Maqbool also condemned the killing. Officials said there are around 15 lakh Shias in the Kashmir valley. The situation remained peaceful, even as emotions ran high across several districts.
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